My Mute Bride

Not long after Victor left, Rachel heard the doorbell ring.

Originally thinking he left something behind, she opened the door, only to see a courier.

“Ms. Rachel Hudson?”

Upon hearing that, Rachel nodded.

“There are two intracity express parcels for you. Please sign here.”

Startled, she signed for the parcels, thereafter receiving a cake and a paper bag.

Right now on the table, there was still half an uneaten cake that Victor had rushed out to buy at noon upon finding out it was her birthday.

So, who bought the cake that the courier delivered?

Setting it aside on the table for now, she pulled a rectangular suede box out of the paper bag.

With a click, she opened it and discovered a silver-colored necklace in the box that glimmered underneath the light

The pendant was in the simple design of a small sun with a hollow center.

Putting down the box, she found a card on top of the cake box that simply read ‘Happy Birthday’ without any signature.

Dumbfounded, she stared at the items until her phone started vibrating.

It was a text message from Julian reading, ‘Did you receive what I sent?’

Immediately, she understood. ‘I did. I was wondering who would remember my birthday.’

‘Don’t forget that you’re a patient of mine. It’s not strange that I would remember your birthday.’

‘Thank you.

‘You’re welcome. Are you free? I just finished work; come down for a walk with me!

Looking at the time, she agreed, ‘Okay.’

At this hour after dinner, the community was lively. All of the houses were lit up, and the sound of children laughing could be heard around the neighborhood as they ran around playing.

box down on a stone table and opened it. Before she could even offer some to anyone, a group of children was surrounding her and staring

is so pretty,

a ‘wait’ motion with her hand, she lifted a knife and a paper plate,

on, Rae.” Julian stopped her and pulled some candles out of a box to the side. “Today is Miss

to be a little girl

sing the

Rachel must close her eyes and make a

blow out the

to indicate to Julian that there was no

children sing ‘Happy Birthday’ in unison. The delicate chorus of young voices

“Make a wish.”

There’s no need.

wish on your birthday, Miss Rachel. My mommy says you have to say it in your heart

she found a little girl who wasn’t even at table height yet looking up at her

made a wish. After that, she blew out the candles and began to give the cake out

thank you!” their parents

dabbing icing on each other’s faces. Just like that, the strangers in the community suddenly seemed closer and the whole scene

the light of the streetlamp, Rachel finally smiled for the first time in days. Thank

so courteous with me.” Walking her back to her apartment building, Julian continued, “The most important thing right now is to take care of your body and your mood. You don’t need to worry about anything else.

I might as well pretend

“Go on upstairs, then. It’s been getting colder lately, so make sure to keep warm since you have

she turned and

was inside her apartment and about

loud slam, the door was propped

up, Rachel saw Justin glowering at her, his darkened face made all the more grotesque by

he out on business? she

sideways into the house and shut the door

“I see you’ve been getting along

steps

pulled

unmelting icebergs as he sneered, “I suppose you wouldn’t want me

her, forcing her back

had no idea what

her arm and pulled, she staggered after him and was dragged all the way